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​No Surprises Act: Independent dispute resolution process for out-of-network providers

September 16, 2022

​Under the No Surprises Act that was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, out-of-network providers are offered an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process intended to help keep health care costs down.

If an out-of-network provider is unsatisfied with the payment received for services rendered, they can initiate a negotiation with insurers, like Independence Blue Cross (Independence). They can also initiate an IDR to help reach an agreement on payment for services rendered.

Submission timeline

Independent Dispute Resolution Action Timeline
Initiate 30-business-day open negotiation period (using the methods below) 30 business days, starting on the day of initial payment or notice of denial of payment
Initiate independent dispute resolution process following failed open negotiation (using the methods below)4 business days, starting the business day after the open negotiation period ends
Mutual agreement on certified independent dispute resolution entity selection 3 business days after the independent dispute resolution initiation date
If parties cannot agree to an independent dispute resolution entity, the Departments will select one6 business days after the independent dispute resolution initiation date
Submit payment offers and additional information to certified independent dispute resolution entity 10 business days after the date of certified independent dispute resolution entity selection
Payment determination made 30 business days after the date of certified independent dispute resolution entity selection
Payment submitted to the applicable party 30 business days after the payment determination

Submission process

To initiate a negotiation with Independence, you may submit a completed Open Negotiation Notice issued by the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services using the following methods:

Please include the claim number in the subject of the email to ensure timely processing.

  • Certified mail:
​Independence Blue Cross​
​​Attn: Total Value Reimbursement and Contracting​
1901 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103​

Please include the claim number on the form to ensure timely processing.

If negotiations end without an agreed-upon different total payment amount, you may initiate the IDR process by submitting a Notice of IDR Initiation through the IDR Portal and use the email above as the primary point of contact for Independence. Please provide a copy of your IDR request using the above methods.

More information

Review these recently updated FAQs prepared jointly by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury.

For more information on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 or the No Surprises Act, visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website.   


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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